The features typical of the prestigious type of mansion known as a Maison de Maitre are absolutely distinctive. Large windows, generous room sizes and period fireplaces: its charms are difficult to resist.
These Manor Houses first began to appear at the end of the 18th century, and continued to be built in both urban and rural settings until the outbreak of the First World War. Generally the homes of public figures or the wealthy middle class, they announced the social arrival of their owners by demonstrating their wealth in solid masonry. They therefore tend to be large and well built using the latest techniques of the time.
The Maison de Maître: the ultimate middle-class statement
These beautiful buildings are easily recognised by their square or rectangular structure executed in stone or brick, a spacious central living room with plenty of natural daylight, and an elegant staircase. If their walls could speak, they would tell of the glittering receptions and balls hosted in centuries past in the ground floor rooms of these magnificent residences, and the studious hours spent by the eponymous master of the house in his study. Upstairs is occupied chiefly by bedrooms and surmounted by the attic. Depending on region and owner’s specification, details may vary in terms of number of rooms, windows and fireplaces, ceiling mouldings, facade colour (darker in the north, lighter in the south) or the construction materials used, which may be stone or brick for the walls, tiles or stone for the roof, etc.
These mansions are also characteristic for the gardens that surround them, which may boast fountains or ponds, a lake or river, huge lime trees or century-old oaks.
A family home or a future guesthouse ?
The Maison de Maitre is a simultaneously historic and comfortable home, and undoubtedly qualifies as a ‘character property’. Sensitively renovated, it boasts gorgeous features such as period wood panelling and fireplaces, a staircase with wrought-iron banisters and ornamental ceilings.
Converting outbuildings and making use of their many rooms, these mansions make the perfect starting point for creating a boutique hotel or guesthouse.
